Image projection system and a method of controlling a projected pointer

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an image projection system whereby a display position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a liquid crystal projector, a personal computer for controlling the liquid crystal projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from a main operating section and a predetermined program, and a remote controller for the liquid crystal projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a light emitting portion for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal. The liquid crystal projector comprises a light receiving portion for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals. The personal computer controls the liquid crystal projector to transfer the received signals to the personal computer and further controls the display position of the pointer according to the transferred pointing device operation signals.

This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/076,986 filed Mar. 11,2005, which in turn is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/315,012filed Dec. 10, 2002, which in turn is a continuation of application Ser.No. 09/548,346 filed Apr. 12, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,002, whichin turn is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/084,399 filed May27, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,630, which in turn is a divisional ofapplication Ser. No. 08/573,520 filed Dec. 15, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No.5,782,548. The entire disclosure of the prior applications is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an image projection system and a methodof controlling a projected pointer.

Multimedia presentation systems utilizing personal computers as the maincontrol means are presently being developed and commercialized. As oneexample of such systems, a liquid crystal projector is controlled by apersonal computer and the image from the personal computer is projectedonto a screen using the liquid crystal projector.

Since the same image as shown on the computer display is displayed as anenlarged image using the liquid crystal projector, this image projectionsystem is highly suitable for conducting presentations before largeaudiences.

In the case of the above mentioned image projection system, a mouseconnected to the computer is operated for controlling the position of apointer such as a cursor projected on the screen. However, during thecourse of the presentation, the presenter who is standing off thecomputer cannot easily change the position of the cursor. The presenterhas to interrupt the presentation and walk to the computer and mouse inorder to change the cursor position. This is inconvenient.

Furthermore, a keyboard connected to the computer must be operated inorder to perform functions regarding the liquid crystal projectordisplay such as, page controlling, and this is also very inconvenient.

One conventional approach to solve these problems is to provide acomputer operator in addition to the presenter. However, this type ofsystem operation is costly, and a smooth presentation cannot beconducted without close coordination between the presenter and computeroperator.

SUMMARY

The present invention recognizes these issues and one object of theinvention is to provide an image projection system and a method ofcontrolling a projected pointer, whereby the position of the pointer onthe projected image can be easily controlled from a location separatedfrom the main control means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projection systemwhereby the position of the pointer on the projected image can be stablycontrolled from a location separated from the main control means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whoseprojecting means can be adjusted from a location separated from the maincontrol means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whoseprojecting means can be remotely and stably adjusted from everydirection.

In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, the presentinvention comprises:

-   -   a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired        display area;    -   a main operating section including a main pointing device;    -   a main control means for controlling the projecting means to        display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an        operation signal from the main operating section and a        predetermined control program; and    -   a remote controller for the projecting means; and    -   the remote controller including a pointing device and a wireless        transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an operation        signal;    -   the projecting means including a wireless receiving means for        receiving the operation signal from the remote controller; and    -   the main control means including:        -   means for controlling the projecting means to transfer a            received signal from the projecting means to the main            control means; and        -   a first detecting means for detecting an operation signal            from the main pointing device of the main operating section            and an operation signal from the pointing device of the            remote controller via the projection means; and        -   wherein the main control means gives priority to an            operation signal from the main operating section when            operation signals from different portions are received to            control a position of the pointer.

A method of controlling a projected pointer of an image projectionsystem which comprises a projecting means for projecting an image onto adesired display area, a main operating section including a main pointingdevice, main control means for controlling the projecting means todisplay a pointer on the image projected by the projecting means inaccordance with an operation signal from the main operating section anda predetermined control program, and a remote controller for wirelesslytransmitting a remote control signal to the projecting means, comprisingthe steps of:

-   -   wirelessly transmitting an operating signal from a pointing        device of the remote controller to the projecting means;    -   transferring the operating signal from the pointing device of        the remote controller received by the projecting means to the        main control means;    -   detecting an operation signal from the main pointing device and        an operation signal from the pointing device of the remote        controller; and    -   giving priority to an operation signal from the main pointing        device when operation signals from different portions are        received to control a position of the pointer.

In the case of this invention, the main control means controls theprojecting means on the bases of the operation signals from the mainoperating means and a predetermined control program to project the imagein a desired display area.

Examples of images that can be projected by the projecting means includean image produced by the main control means itself, and the playbackvideo signals from a VTR, laser disk player and other video playbackdevices.

During this operation, a position mark such as a cursor controlled bythe main control means can be displayed in the projected image.

In the case of this invention, the remote controller comprises apointing device and wirelessly transmits the pointing device operationsignals toward the projecting means. The projecting means transmits thereceived pointing device operation signals to the main control means andthe main control means the positioning mark display position in theprojected image display on the basis of the pointing device operationsignals.

As a result of this type of construction, an operator can freely controlthe display position of the position mark on the projected image bymerely operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller.

Consequently, when a system is constructed using a liquid crystalprojector as the projecting means and a personal computer as the maincontrol means, while using the liquid crystal projector to display, forexample, an enlargement of an image produced by the personal computer,by operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller, apresenter can change the display position of the position mark (e.g.,cursor) to match the progress of the presentation.

Also, in the case of this type system, a main pointing device is oftenconnected to the main control means for changing the display position ofthe cursor type position mark. Consequently, if a conflict occursbetween the operations of the main and remote controller pointingdevices, a problem arises regarding which of these has priority.According to this invention, in order to maintain system stability inevent the above mentioned conflict occurs, the system is constructedwhereby priority is assigned to the main pointing device operationsignal for controlling the display position of the position mark.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, an application program forcontrolling the projecting means is installed, controls the projectingmeans in accordance with the application program and an operation signalfrom the operating section.

As a result of this construction, even when a multi-media presentationsystem is constructed by using an application program on the market, apresenter can easily control the display position of the position markon the projected image by merely operating the pointing device of thehand-held remote controller.

Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the remotecontroller further comprises operation keys to which operations of themain operation section are assigned, and

-   -   wherein the main control means further comprises means for        assigning operations of the main operation section to the        operation keys and controls the projecting means in accordance        with a signal transmitted by operating the operation keys.

As a result of this construction, the user can input the same signalsproduced when operating the main operating stage by operating theoperation keys provided on the hand-held remote controller.Consequently, the overall system can be used conveniently.

Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the main controlmeans further comprises a second detecting means for detecting anoperation signal from the remote controller and an operation signal fromthe main operation section, and gives priority to an operation signalfrom the main operating section when operation signals from differentportions are received to control the projecting means.

Consequently, in the case of a conflict between the input signals fromthe remote controller and keyboard, priority can be allocated to theinput signal from the keyboard, thereby improving overall stability ofthe system.

Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the main controlmeans further comprises a display and is formed as a personal computerwith an application program; and

-   -   wherein the main operating section further comprises a keyboard        and a pointing device connected to the personal computer; and    -   wherein the projecting means is controlled by the personal        computer to project an image transmitted from the personal        computer or image reproducing means.

As a result of this construction, a commercially available personalcomputer and projector can be combined to comprise a multimediapresentation system using the projector to project a large picture.

The present invention comprises:

-   -   a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer        onto a desired display area;    -   a remote controller having an operating portion including a        pointing device for controlling a display position of the        pointer, a lighting key and operation keys; and    -   a main control means for controlling the projecting means        according to an operation signal from the operating portion and        a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display        position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal        from the pointing device, and    -   wherein the remote controller comprises an illuminating portion        for illuminating the operating portion in accordance with        operation of the lighting keys, and a lighting control portion        for forcibly putting the illuminating portion off during        operation of the pointing device.

In the case of this invention, the lighting means lights to illuminatethe operating means keys of the remote controller on the basis oflighted key lighting instructions. When the pointing device of theremote controller is then operated the lighted lighting means isactively extinguished.

In order to detect pointing device operation, the power consumption istemporarily increased and the power supply circuit voltage declines. Asa result, the remote controller internal circuit can operate unstablyand impair stable remote control operation.

This type of problem is resolved by forcibly cutting of the lightingmeans when the pointing device is operated, thereby avoiding powersupply circuit instability and enabling stable remote control.

In the case of the preferred embodiment of this invention, the lightingmeans is forcibly extinguished during pointing device operation, thenagain lighted after completion of pointing device operation.

In this invention, the lighting control portion goes into a sleep modeto accept no instructions from the lighting key when the pointing deviceof the remote controller is not operated for a predetermined period.

Thus, when the pointing device of the remote controller is entirelyunused for the predetermined time span, non-operation of the remotecontroller itself is interpreted and even if a lighting instruction isgiven by the lighted keys, the lighting means is forcibly maintained atoff.

As a result of this type construction, in event a lighted key isactivated for some reason while the remote controller is not being used,the remote controller power consumption can be conserved. Consequently,a video projection system with long term stable remote control operationcan be realized.

In particular, since this invention utilizes a lighting means toforcibly cutoff the remote controller lighting function in conjunctionwith the pointing device operation, and a sleep function to conserveremote controller power consumption, stable circuit operation togetherwith stable remote control can be realized.

The present invention comprises:

-   -   a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer        onto a desired display area;    -   a remote controller having an operating portion including a        pointing device for controlling a display position of the        pointer and operation keys; and    -   a main control means for controlling the projecting means        according to an operation signal from the operating portion and        a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display        position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal        from the pointing device, and    -   wherein the remote controller goes into a sleep mode to stop        power supply to the pointing device, when the pointing device is        inactive for a predetermined period.

When the pointing device of the remote controller is entirely unused forthe predetermined period, non-operation of the remote controller itselfis interpreted, and the electric power supply to the pointing device ofthe remote controller, which consumes a lot of electric power, isforcibly cut off.

As a result of this type construction, in event the pointing device isactivated for some reason while the remote controller is not being used,the remote controller power consumption can be conserved. Consequently,a video projection system with long term stable remote control operationcan be realized.

Also, this invention comprises:

-   -   a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer        onto a desired display area;    -   a remote controller having an operating portion including a        pointing device for controlling a display position of the        pointer and operation keys; and    -   a main control means for controlling the projecting means        according to an operation signal from the operating portion and        a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display        position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal        from the pointing device, and    -   wherein the remote controller transmits a signal for adjusting        the projecting means by combining operations of the pointing        device and the keys.

As a result of this invention, adjustment signals are transmitted fromthe remote controller by combined operation of the pointing device andoperating keys, thereby enabling the projecting means to be adjustedfrom a separated position.

In particular, this invention is constructed whereby combined operationof the pointing device and keys transmits adjustment signals from theremote controller to the projecting means. Consequently, the projectingmeans can be effectively adjusted using a limited number of individualkeys disposed on the remote controller.

In the case of a preferred embodiment of this invention, the pointingdevice and keys for combined operation of the operating section aredisposed as mutually related groups.

Further, the pointing device and keys for combination operation disposedon the operation portion have the same color.

As results of these combinations, the projecting means adjustmentfunctions can be easily understood by the user and convenience isgreatly enhanced.

For example, by using the same color to designate a group of pointingdevice and keys, combined operation is easily comprehended by the userand can be performed easily.

Also, the present invention comprises a projecting means for projectingan image onto a desired display area, and a remote controller for theprojecting means;

-   -   wherein the remote controller includes a wireless transmitting        means for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal; and    -   wherein the projecting means includes a plurality of wireless        receiving means for receiving the operation signal which may be        transmitted from different directions.

As a result of this type construction, at any change of relativeposition between the remote controller and projecting means, signals arereliably transmitted from the remote controller toward the projectingmeans and stable remote control operation is enabled.

Cases often arise during presentations wherein another person conductspart of the presentation, while the presenter moves to a differentposition and controls the projecting means using the remote controller.In these type of situations, even when the relative position of theremote controller held by the presenter and the projecting meanschanges, the present invention enables reliable transmission of theremote control signals toward the projector and stable remote control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a descriptive drawing showing an example of a user operating aliquid crystal projector by means of a remote controller;

FIG. 2 is a descriptive drawing showing the correspondence between alight emitting means for wireless transmission provided in the remotecontroller and light receiving means for wireless reception provided inthe liquid crystal projector;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a remote controller;

FIG. 4 is an abbreviated descriptive drawing of an example of a videoprojection system according to this invention comprising a remotecontroller, liquid crystal projector and personal computer;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of main components of the systemshown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an operation flow chart of the system shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a descriptive drawing of the assignment setting screen shownon the display.

FIG. 9 is a descriptive drawing of the remote controller internalcircuit;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the remote controller lighting controloperation;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the remote controller lighting controloperation;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the projector function adjustment operationprocedure;

FIG. 13 is a descriptive drawing indicating the projector functionadjustment procedure using the remote controller;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the projector function adjustment using theremote controller; and

FIG. 15 is a descriptive drawing illustrating an example of a functionadjustment screen displayed when using the projector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration when a projecting meanscomprising a liquid crystal projector 10 is used to project apredetermined image from a projector output 12 to a desired displayarea, such as a screen 16. The liquid crystal projector 10 isconstructed so as to enable connecting a plurality of video sources tothe terminals thereof.

In the case of the present embodiment, two video sources can beconnected. A first video source terminal allows connecting a videosignal supplied from a computer, and a second video source terminalallows connecting a video playback device such as a video deck, videocamera and video disk player. By selecting the video source, the videosignal from the computer and video playback device can be selected andprojected as a large size picture on the screen 16.

Although the basic operations of the liquid crystal projector 10 can beperformed from the various operating facilities provided in theprojector mainframe, in the case of this embodiment, the liquid crystalprojector 10 can also be remotely operated by using a remote controller20 for the projector.

As shown in FIG. 2, an infrared light emitting means 36 is provided atthe end of the remote controller 20 as a wireless transmitting means fortransmitting operation signals to the projector 10.

Wireless receiver mean comprising infrared light receiver means 14 a and14 b respectively having receiving ranges of 30 degrees left and rightin the horizontal direction for a total of 60 degrees are disposedrespectively on the front and rear panels of the liquid crystalprojector 10. Consequently, an operator can remotely operate theprojector 10 from either the front or rear direction of the projector 10by using the remote controller 20.

FIG. 3 shows an abbreviated plan view of the remote controller 20.

In order to remotely operate the liquid crystal projector 10 when poweris supplied, the remote controller 20 comprises an operating section 400having a key group 22 comprising a plurality of buttons.

The key group 22 comprises buttons for standby 22 a, source select 22 b,audio volume adjustment 22 c, audio mute 22 d, freeze 22 e, brightnessadjustment 22 f, light level 22 g, sync adjustment 22 h, and otherfunctions 24 a, 24 b and 24 c.

When the standby button 22 a is pressed, the liquid crystal projector 10lamp lights and warmup begins. The display image is selected for thefirst or second source by operating the source select button 22 b. Theoutput sound volume from a speaker provided in the liquid crystalprojector 10 can be adjusted by operating the audio volume adjust button22 c. The sound can be muted by pressing the audio mute button 22 d, andrestored by again pressing the audio mute button 22 d. A still picturecan be displayed by operating the freeze button 22 e, and the stilldisplay mode can be released by again operating this button. The picturebrightness can be adjusted by operating the brightness adjust button 22f. When the light level button 22 g is pressed, the remote controller 20operating section 400 lights for approximately 10 seconds, thus enablingeasy operation in dark surroundings. Operating the sync adjust button 22h allows adjusting for flickering or out of focus images for optimumclarity.

Construction of the illumination mechanism for lighting the operatingsection 400 according to the light level key 22 g operation is describedlater below.

Except for the light level button 22 g, the same operations as the keygroup 22 are also provided in the liquid crystal projector mainframe.

The remote controller 20 enables performing the same operations asprovided by the operating means of the liquid crystal projector 10 froma separated location.

As indicated in FIG. 4, in the case of this embodiment, the liquidcrystal projector 10, remote controller 20 and a personal computer 40functioning as the main control means can be combined to comprise avideo projection system for multimedia presentations utilizing thepersonal computer 40 for controlling the liquid crystal projector 10.

The personal computer 40 comprises a computer mainframe 42, a display44, and a keyboard 46 and a mouse 48 function as main operating portionconnected to the computer mainframe 42. The liquid crystal projector 10and personal computer 40 mainframe 42 are connected via a serialtransmission line 50 (RS-232C) for serial transmission of digital data.

By constructing a system in this manner whereby the liquid crystalprojector 10 is directly operated from the computer 40, when conductinga presentation using a system according to this embodiment, for example,not only the projector 10 adjustments such as picture brightness andsound volume, but also picture display control functions such as pageadvance, page reverse, and window open and close, can be performedwithout interrupting the presentation.

A predetermined operating system 100 and projector 10 driver software110 are installed beforehand in the computer mainframe 42 and stored inan internal memory. In addition, various types of application softwareare also installed in the computer mainframe 42. In the case of thisembodiment, application software for presentation use is installed. 21The driver software 110 is a type of device driver. According tocommands produced by the operating program 100 and application software120, the driver software 110 performs actual detailed processing anddata transfer with respect to the liquid crystal projector 10 in thecomputer 40.

In particular, the driver software 110 is comprised so as to completelycontrol the liquid crystal projector 10 via the serial transmission line50. In practical terms, a completely different picture from theprojector 10 image is displayed for adjustment on the display 44 of thecomputer 40, while the liquid crystal projector 10 brightness, soundvolume and other adjustments are performed by the remote controller 20and the operation means provided in the projector 10 mainframe. Thesetypes of operations are performed by the operator using the mouse 48 andkeyboard 46 to apply the required commands to the computer 40.

As mentioned above, when conducting a presentation or other programwherein application software 120 for presentations is installed in thecomputer mainframe 42 and the projector 10 is used to display an imagefor presentation on the screen 16, the personal computer 40 operatoroperates predetermined keys of the keyboard 46 and operates the mouse 48functioning as a pointing device to control the display position of thecursor or other indicator.

In particular, when conducting a presentation wherein a cursor points toa part of the screen, the cursor is shifted to the required icon displayposition, and a command is selected, and when expanding or compressing acertain display area within the picture, and when opening another windowwithin the picture, the mouse 48 is normally used for controlling thecursor display position.

Also, when inputting various commands, characters and other types ofdata to the personal computer 40, the operator operates predeterminedkeys of the keyboard 46 according to requirements.

Consequently, if a projection system combining a personal computer 40and projector 10 such as illustrated in FIG. 4 is adopted, the operatormust be located near the personal computer 40 in order to operate themouse 48 and keyboard 46. As a result, the presenter conducting apresentation using the projector 10 must continually convey variousinstructions to the operator operating the personal computer 40. Inabsence of an operator, the presenter must continually shift to thepersonal computer 40 position and operate the mouse 48 and keyboard 46.In either of these cases, a smooth presentation cannot be conducted.

In order to resolve this type of difficulty, the remote controller 20according to the present embodiment incorporates pointing devicefunctions of the mouse 48 or other devices connected to the personalcomputer 40 mainframe, and input functions for commands and data sentfrom the mouse 48 and keyboard 46.

The remote controller 20 operating section 400 example shown in FIG. 3comprises a trackball means 28 functioning as a pointing device, a keygroup 22 and a button group 24.

The trackball means 28 comprises a trackball 28 a, a drag button 28 band an opposing adjust button 28 c. The computer mainframe 42 withinstalled driver software 110 controlling the projector 10 waspreviously described.

Operation signals transmitted wirelessly using infrared light 200 fromthe remote controller 20 directed toward the projector 10 are firsttransferred from the projector 10 to the computer mainframe 42 via theserial transmission line 50. The computer mainframe 42 then assigns thevarious functions with respect to the remote controller 20 trackballmeans and key group. When an operation signal is input from the remotecontroller 20, various computation processes are performed according tothe functions assigned to the input signal.

Subsequently, the projector 10 control, image display control and otherrequired computations and controls are performed.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a video projection systemaccording to the present embodiment.

As mentioned above, the remote controller 20 includes a trackball means28 and operation key group 22. A signal processor 34 is used to convertthese signals into digital signals sent wirelessly via infrared light200 from the infrared transmitter means 36 to the projector 10.

The projector 10 comprises a main projector mechanism 64 performing thebasic operations as a projector, a computation controller 62 comprisinga CPU and memory for controlling the main projector mechanism 64, asignal processor 60 for processing the signals from the remotecontroller 20 received by an infrared receiver means 14 and convertingthese into electrical signals supplied to the computation controller 62,and an 1/O interface 66 for connection to external equipment.

When the projector 10 is under the control of the personal computer 40,the computation controller 62 transfers the operation signals from theremote controller 20 received by the infrared receiver means 14 to thepersonal computer 40 via the I/O interface 66 and serial transmissionline 50. In addition, the main projector mechanism 64 and otherlocations controlled on the bases of various control signal inputs fromthe personal computer 40 via the serial transmission line 50 and I/Ointerface 66.

The computer mainframe 42 of the personal computer 40 comprises a maincomputation control circuit 70 comprising a CPU and other circuits, amemory 76 comprising RAM, ROM and other circuits for storing theapplication software 120, driver software 110, operating system 100programs and other required data, and I/O interfaces 72 and 74 forperforming external connections.

The main computation control circuit 70 processes the remote controller20 operation signals transferred via the projector 10 in the same manneras the mouse 48 and keyboard 46 comprising the main operating portion52, and performs various computation control operations.

In the case of this embodiment, the operation signals of the trackballmeans 28 and mouse 48 are processed in the same manner. Also, thecommands and key operations assigned to the operation key group 22, andthe corresponding commands from the mouse 48 and keyboard 46, and thecorresponding key inputs from the keyboard 46 are processed in the samemanner.

In event a conflict occurs between the operation signals from the remotecontroller 20 and the operation signals from the keyboard 46 and mouse48 comprising the main operating portion 52 (for example, a conflictbetween the operations of the trackball means 28 and mouse 48), thesignals from the remote controller 20 are disregarded and priority isgiven to the operation signals from the main operating portion 52. Thereason for this configuration is because application software forpresentations is generally composed on the concept of operating a mainoperating means 52 comprising a mouse 48 and keyboard 46 directlyconnected to the personal computer 40, and not from the viewpoint ofsignals from a remote controller 20. Consequently, overall systemstability can be increased by assigning processing priority to operationsignals from the main operating means 52.

As a result of this embodiment, personal computer 40 operations whichordinarily needed to be performed by means of a directly connected mouse48 and keyboard 46 can be easily performed by means of a hand-heldremote controller 20. Moreover, a multimedia presentation using a systemcomprising a projector 10 and personal computer 40 can be efficientlyand smoothly conducted.

In particular, the pointing device function for controlling a cursorposition is an extremely important factor in various types ofapplication software. By providing this type of pointing device functionin the remote controller 20, presentations using the projector 10 can beperformed very smoothly.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a computer mainframe 42comprising a memory 76 and main computation control circuit 70. Thecomputer mainframe 42 according to this embodiment comprises anassigning means 80, a detector means 86 and a computation control means88.

FIG. 7 shows an abbreviated flow chart of the assignment settingoperation for the remote controller 20 trackball means 28 and operationkey group 22.

The programmable mode for performing assignments can be set by operatingthe keyboard 46 and mouse 48 connected to the computer mainframe 42(Step S10).

When the programmable mode is set, an assignment setting screen such asindicated in FIG. 8 is displayed on the personal computer 40 display 44and projected from the projector 10. Icons for respective buttons keyset 310, key help 312, execute 314 and button test are displayed at thetop of the screen.

At the bottom of the screen, a program assignment box 330 showing thepresent assignments for the remote controller operating means 320 andother operating means is displayed.

In this state, the assignment enable mode is set by shifting the cursorat the top of the screen to the key set button 310 icon and clicking(step S12). By then shifting the cursor to the required operating buttonof the operating means display 320 and clicking, the correspondingbutton is highlighted and the corresponding button within the programassignment box 330 is displayed. In the FIG. 8 example, buttons for pagereturn 24 c, page advance 24 d, drag 28 b and the pair of adjust buttons28 c are shown selected for respective assignments.

After selecting the buttons in this manner, the various functions areassigned to the selected buttons. In this example, the mouse 48functions such as click and drag are assigned to the five selectedbuttons.

Also, according to requirements, page advance, page return and othercommands, macros (maximum 32 keystrokes and mouse command sequence) andother key inputs can be assigned. By setting in this manner, a requiredprogram can be opened by simply pressing corresponding buttons of theremote controller 20 during the presentation.

The keyboard 46, for example, can be used for assigning these types offunctions.

After completing assignments, by shifting the cursor to the executebutton 314 position and selecting this button the computer mainframe 42is set to the check mode (step S14). As a result, the various functionsusing the remote controller 20 assigned in the assignment enable mode(step S12) can be executed.

Afterwards, when the test button 316 is selected, a text screen appearsin the display and projector screens indicating the keystrokes assignedto the remote controller 20 buttons, whereupon the user can checkwhether or not the assignments were correctly performed by observing thescreen display.

If a setting error is noted at this time, it is sufficient to return tostep S10 and change the assignment as required. Conversely, in order toconfirm the assignments were correctly performed (step S18), againoperate the test button 316 to release the test mode, whereupon theassignment operation with respect to the remote controller 20 iscompleted.

The data assigned to each key are stored in an assigned data memorymeans 84. Afterwards, on the basis of the input signal from the remotecontroller, the assignment setting means 82 converts the data into asignal expressing the assignment function corresponding to the inputsignal sent to the detector means 86. For example, at the operationsignal inputs from buttons 24 b and 24 c, the operation signals areconverted into mouse 48 click and drag signals, and sent to the detectormeans 86. The assignment functions corresponding to the mouse 48operation with respect to the remote controller 20 trackball means 28 aare stored beforehand in the assigned data memory means 84.

Consequently, when the trackball means 28 a is moved up, down, left andright, and the corresponding signals are sent from the remote controller20 to the assignment setting means 82, the assignment setting means 82converts these into mouse 48 operation signals for supply to thedetector means 86. As a result of this operation, by operating theremote controller 20, the same operation signals as the mouse 48 andkeyboard 46 are sent to the computer mainframe 42, thereby enablingcontrol of the computer mainframe 42.

The function of the detector means 86 indicated in FIG. 6 is describedas follows. A signal input applied from the assignment setting means 82is compared with an input signal from the main operating means 52comprising the mouse 48 and keyboard 46. The detector means 86 thendetects whether or not there is a conflict with respect to the inputfrom the remote controller 20. In absence of a conflict, the presentinput signal is sent directly to the computation control means 88. Forexample, when a signal input is supplied only from the remote controller20 while an input signal from the mouse 48 and keyboard 46 is absent,the input signal is supplied directly to the computation control means88. Conversely, if there is a conflict between the signals from the mainoperating portion 52 and remote controller 20, only the input signalfrom the main operating portion 52 is sent to the computation controlmeans 88 and recognition of the signal from the remote controller 20 isdenied. As a result, the overall system stability can be increased asmentioned above.

The computation control means 88 computes the control signal inaccordance with the selected input signal via the detector means 86 andthe above mentioned computation control programs 100, 110 and 120 forsupply to the projector 10, and computes each type of video signal forsupply to the display 44 and projector 10. In addition, the computationcontrol means 88 computes and supplies the projector control signaloutput in accordance with the input signal from the projector 10.

As a result of this embodiment, by using remote control signals from aremote controller 20 ordinarily designed for a projector, a computermainframe 42 can be operated in the same manner as from signals from amouse 48 and keyboard 46, and the projector 10 can be controlled withrespect to the computer mainframe 42.

In particular, in the case of the present system, since variousfunctions are assigned to the remote controller 20 used for controllingthe projector 10 for controlling the personal computer 40, the computercan be directly operated by using the remote controller 20. As a result,an extremely easy to use video projection system for multimediapresentations can be comprised using a projector 10 and personalcomputer 40.

Following is a description of the remote controller 20 lightingmechanism according to this embodiment.

When the light level button 22 g is set to on, the operating section 400of the remote controller 20 lights for a predetermined period of time.Therefore, the operating section 400 comprises a plurality of buttonsand a trackball 28 a disposed on a semi-transparent substrate 402, and aplurality of illuminating LEDs disposed at the rear of the substrate 402for illuminating the operating section 400.

FIG. 9 shows the circuit construction of the remote controller 20lighting mechanism.

The remote controller 20 comprises a replaceable battery 410, anoperation detector 420 detecting operation of the trackball 28 a, anoperation switch matrix 430 detecting operation of respective buttongroups 24 and 28, a CPU 440 controlling the overall remote controller,illuminating LEDs 450 disposed at the rear of the substrate 402 andilluminating the operating section 400, and a light emitting means 36comprising a transmitting LED 36 a.

The CPU 400 controls a transistor Q1 to drive the transmitting LED 36 ato wirelessly transmit remote control signals using infrared light 200from the light emitting means 36 toward the projector 10.

In addition, the CPU 440 detects the light level button 22 g operationon the basis of a signal from the operation switch matrix 430 andswitches transistor Q2 on to light the illumination LED group 450 for apredetermined period of time.

Also, the operation detector 420 detects trackball 28 a operation andsends a detection signal to the CPU 440. As a result, the CPU 440wirelessly transmits the trackball 28 a operation signal toward theprojector via the transmitting LED 36 a.

When the operation detector 420 detects the trackball 28 a operation,the power consumption increases. Consequently, the voltage temporarilydeclines in the remote controller 20 circuit due to using a smallcapacity battery 410, thereby presenting a risk of overall circuitoperating instability. In order to prevent this occurrence, the CPU 440forcibly switches off transistor Q2 when the operation detector 420detects trackball operation in order to extinguish the illumination LEDgroup 450. As a result, power supply circuit instability duringtrackball 28 a operation can be avoided and reliable remote controloperation can be achieved.

In addition, when a signal input from the operation detector is absentfor a predetermined length of time (15 minutes in the present example),the CPU 440 shifts to a sleep mode whereby lighting commands from thelight level button 22 g are not recognized. Thus, when the trackball 28a is completely inactive for 15 minutes, non-operation of the remotecontroller 20 is interpreted and power consumption of the remotecontroller 20 is conserved by operating the lighting function in thesleep mode.

In addition, when a signal input from the operation detector 420 isabsent for a predetermined length of time, the CPU 440 shifts to a sleepmode whereby the electric power supply from the battery 410 to theoperation detector 420 is forcibly cut off in order to put the trackballinto sleep. The electric power is again supplied to the operationdetector 420 when any one of the operation keys is operated. As a resultof this, electric power consumption of the remote controller 20 isconserved during the remote controller 20 is not operated even when thetrackball 28 a is operated by mistake.

FIG. 10 indicates a flow chart of the circuit light level controloperation.

When the remote controller 20 light level button is set to on (stepS30), transistor Q2 is switched on (step S32) and controls theillumination LED group 450 lighting. As a result, the operating section400 is lit from the rear of the semi-transparent substrate 402, therebyenabling easy operation even in darkened surroundings.

Simultaneously with control of the illuminating LED group 450 lighting,the CPU 440 internal lighting timer starts (step S34) and after 10seconds elapse (step S44), transistor Q2 is controlled to automaticallyextinguish the illumination LED group 450 (step S46).

Also, pressing either one of the buttons 24 and 28 while theillumination LED group 450 is lighted (step S36) resets the lightingtimer (step S34). As a result, lighting of the operating section 400continues only when either of these buttons is operated.

When the trackball 28 a is operated during lighting (step S38),transistor Q2 is automatically switched off, thereby forciblyextinguishing the illumination LED group 450. Afterwards, when thetrackball 28 a operation stops, transistor Q2 switches on to therebyresume LED group 450 lighting.

Therefore, during trackball 28 a operation, which consumes a largeamount of power, the illumination LED group 450 is forcibly cutoff,thereby minimizing battery 410 voltage decline and enabling stableremote control operation.

FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of the sleep function according to thisembodiment.

In complete absence of operating section 400 operation, the CPU 440assumes a stand-by mode (step S50). When any button is operated (stepS52), transistor Q3 switches on (step S54) and the CPU 440 timer starts(step S56).

At a trackball 28 a operation signal input during timer operation, theCPU 440 transmits this signal using transmitting LED 36 a (step S60) andrestarts the timer (step S56).

Also, in complete absence of a trackball 28 a operating signal input for15 minutes after timer start (step S62), transistor Q3 is forciblyswitched off (step S64) and the stand-by mode is produced (step S66). Inthe stand-by mode, even if the light level button is operated, theoperation signal is not recognized by the CPU 440.

In this manner, if the trackball 28 a of the remote controller 20 iscompletely inoperative for 15 minutes, absence of remote controlleroperation is interpreted and the sleep mode is produced wherein theillumination LED group 450 light commands are disregarded, therebyenabling conservation of the remote controller 20 power consumption.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lightingfunction of the remote controller 20 illumination LED group 450 isforcibly cutoff in conjunction with the trackball 28 a operation andsleep operation is produced, thereby both conserving the remotecontroller 20 power consumption and enabling stable circuit operation.

Also, the remote controller 20 is provided with projector 10 adjustmentfunctions.

The projector 10 according to this embodiment comprises an adjustmentoperating section (not shown in the figures) whereby operating thefacilities such as menu and select buttons of this adjustment operatingsection, can select and display predetermined menu screens such asindicated by the flow chart of FIG. 12. While a desired menu screen isdisplayed, adjustment is performed by operating predetermined adjustmentbuttons corresponding to adjustment items displayed on the screen.

In the case of this example, following are among the functions adjustedby referring to the respective menu screens,

-   -   Computer menu screen: screen brightness an contrast;    -   Video menu screen: red, blue and green;    -   Display menu screen: tracking and signal format;    -   Sound menu screen: volume, and left and right balance;    -   Option menu screen: input source select and language; and    -   Custom menu screen: program button function assignment and        switching.

The remote controller 20 operating section 400 also comprises functionsfor adjusting the projector 10. In the case of the present example,projector 10 adjustments using the remote controller 20 are mainlyperformed by combined operation of a menu button 22 j, select button 22e and trackball section 28. As indicated in FIG. 3, in order to enablethe user to visually distinguish the adjustment functions of the buttons22 j and 22 e, and the trackball section 28, uniform colors identify therespective areas 402 j, 402 e and 404 of the substrate 402 where thebuttons 22 j, 22 e and trackball section 28 are disposed.

Following is a description of projector 10 adjustment using the remotecontroller 20 with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

Press the remote controller 20 menu button 22 j, then operate the selectbutton 22 e to select a desired menu screen from among four menuscreens. The menu button 22 j and select button 22 e operation signalsare wirelessly transmitted from the remote controller 20 to theprojector 10. On the bases of these received signals, the projector 10operates in the same manner as when operating the adjustment mechanismprovided in the projector itself.

In order to simplify the description, an example of selecting thecomputer menu screen, indicated in FIG. 15, is described below.

FIG. 13 illustrates the remote controller operating procedure forselecting a desired item from the computer menu screen and adjusting thecorresponding function. A flow chart of the procedure is shown in FIG.14.

When the FIG. 15 computer menu is selected, the Bright adjustment itemof the menu is initially highlighted, thereby indicating this functionhas been selected for adjustment.

To select another function item, the user operates the trackball 28 a asindicated in FIG. 13A. The projector 10 receives the operating signaland sequentially shifts the function items in response to the trackballoperation (steps S70 and S72). When the desired item has been selected,the user stops trackball operation and uses the left and right adjustbuttons 28 c and 28 c to adjust the function as shown in FIG. 13B.Pressing the plus button increases the adjustment value and pressing theminus button decreases the adjustment value, as indicated by the graphicdisplay (steps S74 and S78).

By repeating this procedure of selecting a desired function item andadjusting the selected function item, each function item can be adjustedin sequence.

After completing the adjustments of the computer menu screen, the nextmenu screen can be selected by simply operating the select button 22 e(steps S80 and S82). By repeatedly operating the select button a desirednumber of times, the menu screens are selected and displayed accordingto the flow chart of FIG. 12. To then adjust selected function itemswithin a selected menu screen, merely perform in the same manner assteps S70-S78 indicated in FIG. 14.

When all function adjustments have been completed, press the remotecontroller 20 menu button 22 j (step S84) to thereby end the menudisplay (step S86).

As described above, the system according to the present embodimentenables adjusting the projector 10 functions by using the remotecontroller 20. In particular, the buttons and trackball section 28 usedfor combined operation of the remote controller 20 are designated by thesame colors on the substrate and since the relationships are easilyidentified visually, usage is rendered highly convenient.

The foregoing description does not limit the present invention andnumerous variations are possible within the scope of this invention.

For example, the above description related to an example of using thisinvention for a presentation system. However, this invention can also beapplied to numerous other types of systems as required, for example,teaching systems conveying lessons from instructor to students andsystem for various types of seminars, in addition to sales demonstrationsystems and others.

An example of using infrared light for wireless transmission between theremote controller 20 and projector 10 was also described. However, othermethods, such as various types of radio signals, can also be used asrequired.

The description also related to an example of using a projector 10 asthe projection stage. However, this invention can also be applied tonumerous other types of projection devices, such as overhead projectors.

The description also mentioned an example of using a trackball as thepointing device for the remote controller 20. However, various othertypes of pointing devices can also be used for the remote controlleraccording to requirements.

1. A remote controller which transmits operation signals from menu keysand an operation signal from a pointing device to a projection section,the projection section projecting a predetermined menu image and beingcontrolled to be adjustable based on the operation signals from the menukeys, the projection section being controlled to select a desiredadjustment item from a plurality of operation items on an adjustmentmenu displayed on a display screen based on the operation signal fromthe pointing device, the remote controller comprising: an operationsection which includes the pointing device and operation keys thatreceive operation of an operator; a signal processing section whichconverts the operator's operation of the pointing device and operationkeys into operation signals; and a transmission section which transmitsthe operation signals to the projection section, the operation keysincluding the menu keys which instruct display of an adjustment menu onthe display screen.
 2. The remote controller according to claim 1, thepointing device comprising a trackball section.
 3. The remote controlleraccording to claim 1, the projection section projecting an imageincluding a pointer from the main control section and transferring anoperation signal to the main control section, the operation signal beingused to change a position of the pointer in the image, the projectionsection performing adjustment processing of the selected item based onthe operation signal from the operation section.